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Biennial report of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent of the Caswell Training School

Annual report of the Board of Directors and Superintendent of the Caswell Training School for Mental Defectives at Flag Station, Hines Junction, Kinston, N.C.

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ANNUAL REPORT
N. C
Doc
of the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
and SUPERINTENDENT
of the
Caswell Training School
For Mental Defectives
at
Flag Station, Hines Junction
KINSTON, N. C.
For the Year Ending June JO, ig26
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
' and SUPERINTENDENT
of the
Caswell Training School
For Mental Defectives
at
Flag Station, Hines Junction
KINSTON, N. C.
For the Year Ending June SO, IQ26
Raleigh
Capital Printing Company
State Printers
1926
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Hon. L. p. Tapp, Chairman .- Kinston
Hon. L. a. Bethune : Clinton
Dr. W. W. Dawson Grifton
Dr. G. H. M.A.CON Warrenton
Mb. S. F. McCotter Vandemere
Prof. T. E. WHiTAKsat Oak Ridge
Mr. V. 0. Parker Raleigh
Mr. C. W. Lassitee Spring Hope
*Me. J. Hakpeb Alexander Scotland Neck
EXECUTIVE AND BUILDING COMMITTEE
Hon. L. p. Tapp, Chairman Kinston
Hon. L. a. Bethune Clinton
Dr. W. W. Dawson Grifton
Resigned.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To His Excellency, Hon. Angus "W. McLean,
Governor of North Carolina.
Deab Sir :—We have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency
the Annual Report of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent of
The Caswell Training School for mental defectives, for the years 1925
and 1926.
Respectfully suhmitted,
L. P. Tapp, Chairman,
De. W. "W. Dawson,
L. A. Bethune,
Executive Committee.
OFFICERS OF INSTITUTION
Siii)erinte7ident :
'"
W. H. Dixon, M.D.
Medical Director:
J. T. Wright, M.D.
Head Nurse
:
Miss Texie Bowman
School Principal:
Miss Elba Ebnst ,
Head Matron:
MiiS. Florence Leonard
Business Manager
:
W. L. Sutton
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees:
I am pleased to make the usual annual report, wliich is the first
report under my administration. I need not note all of the complex
conditions existing when I assumed charge. I am pleased to say we do
not now have any opposing forces constantly uprising and trying to
hinder the success of the institution.
We have secured the services of Dr. J. T. Wright as medical director
and psychiatrist. He has proven efficient, willing, and capable for the
work of our institution. I also secured Miss Texie Bowman as head
nurse. I am pleased wdth the services she has rendered us. Due to the
splendid services of Dr. Wright and Miss Bowman, in my opinion, the
health of the institution will compare favorably with any institution
with the same kind of inmates and population. {See reports of Medical
Director and Head Nurse.)
We were unfortunate in losing one of our most efficient attendants,
caused by influenza-pneumonia. I refer to Mr. C M. Morton.
I have tried to improve the personnel of the matrons and attendants,
and in a measure I have succeeded. The discipline of the children has
improved very much during the past year with the exception of a few.
A few, of course, are always a problem.
Dr. James M. Parrott, of Kinston, has been employed as eye, ear,
nose, and throat specialist to treat, cure, and correct as many of these
troubles as possible. His first work was to make a general examination
of every inmate, also noting the condition of the teeth as well as his
particular line. During his illness he continued his work by sending
his able assistant. Dr. Sabiston.
Another departure was in the securing of Dr. Koonce as dentist, who
has been giving two afternoons every week, four hours each, doing
extractions, temporary fillings, cleaning, and treatment of pyorrhea.
The work of Dr. Wright, Dr. Parrott, and Dr. Koonce will appear in
their reports. The report of the school department will explain itself
and will follow in the usual order of reports.
COST AND ECONOMY
We had, to begin with, a decrease in the usual appropriation for
maintenance for the institution, also found the per capita cost $1.12.
By economy in the various dej)artments of the institution and in the
meantime getting close cooperation between the different heads of the
departments and trying to effect a saving where possible, we have
reduced the per capita cost to 84 cents plus per day. The difference
6 Annual Report
between 84 cents and $1.12 is 28 cents, a saving in one day of $108;
a saving in 365 days or one year of $39,420. We now have the average
cost per day for the institution as a whole $325.16, whereas one year
ago it cost $390.06 per day as a whole, when the per capita cost was
$1.12.
In practicing economy, we have tried not to let the economy inter-fere
with efficient and proper quantities of food, and in doing this,
trying to secui'e a proper food balance. We have been constantly be-sieged
with calls all over the State for the admission of unfortunate
children. This includes calls from morons down to idiots, and after
trying to use discretion and good judgment, we have selected those that
we could give eiBeient training that would be a real help to them.
During the early part of the year 1926 work began in the reconstruc-tion
of the High Grade Boys' Building. Floors were ordered placed in
the Pollock Building, first and second stories. To increase the water
supply at our institution, a new pump and reservoir is being installed.
We have been constantly handicapi^ed for the lack of water since my
administration. It appears now that we will have the use of all these
improvements in a very short time.
NEEDS OF THE EN'STITUTION UV WAY OP REPAIRS
AND EVIPKOVEMENTS
The cottages are badly in need of repairs, such as plastering and
painting, and some other repairs. If it were possible to get them, we
should have not less than three more cottages, as I find married help
more satisfactory than the single help. I have had, time and again, to
refuse married help because of the fact that we did not have the housing-facilities
for them.
The bathrooms and toilets of the Pollock Building are in such condi-tion
that water soaks through these floors. Something, of necessity,
must be done to correct this defect.
Your attention has been called to the need of an additional silo at
our dairy barn. In my opinion, were this silo erected it would pay for
itself in the saving of feed within two years time.
MOVEMENT OP POPULATION
At the beginning of the fiscal year 1925 there were 357 inmates in
Caswell Training School. Since then there has been a gradual increase.
At the beginning of the fiscal year 1926 we had in our institution 411
inmates. The average number of children was 385 plus. Of this num-ber,
14 have been paroled, 12 died, 27 ran away (20 of these have been
returned), 11 were taken home by parents for various causes. Total
number of inmates admitted, 89. The vacation months for employes
and inmates are July and August. Quite a number of the inmates are
now home on vacation and a few of the employes.
The Caswell Tbaining School
TYPES OF TRAINING GIVEN
Training in a generalized way is given according to the mentality of
the individual. What training can be given to low-grade imbeciles ?
Teach them simple commands : how to feed themselves, how to dress
themselves, and how to do simple duties in the dormitories, such as bed-making
and sweeping. In industrial activities they also may receive
some training, such as rug-making and assorting material. In the
craft department they are trained to make mats, rugs, and to do other
simple work in the training room. For this type of inmate it takes
about tAventy months to fit him or her to perform one simple task.
Some one will ask, "'Is it worth the time to train one to do these simple
things ?" Yes, it gives them something useful to do. Keep them em-ployed,
and of course they do not have time to destroy their clothes and
the furniture, neither do they have time to engage in mischief-making
among themselves; they are much more easily managed and their
behavior problems are lessened very much.
We are, at this time, training them to march, and they are very much
interested in this. Anything that interests them makes them happy.
This is one of the ideals we are trying to reach. When you make one
of them happy, you have solved some of their behavior problems.
The mid-grade imbecile, of course, can receive much more training
than the low-grade imbecile. From this type, with proper training,
we can take care of the majority of work at our institution, such as
milking, picking vegetables, preparing vegetables for cooking, and clean-ing
various utensils and implements about the kitchen. Some are helpers
in the dining-room and dormitories. They become very efficient in the
art and craft department in weaving, rug-making, flower-making, bas-ketry,
tatting, crocheting, and many other things too numerous to
mention.
The moron or high-grade tyjje can be taught to do vocational and
industrial work that the normal can do. There is no limit to their train-ing
if you are careful to direct them in what they are interested. The
higher and more responsible duties are done largely by this type. Among
these duties are : laundering, sewing, house-cleaning, dairying, and
farming, which includes plowing, mowing, wagon-driving, hay-making,
harvesting corn and other grain. We expect, in the near future, to
begin training in painting, carpentry, shoe repairing, gardening, and
the taking care of grounds around the buildings.
We try to make them as efficient as possible through the various lines
of training. When it becomes possible for inmates to be paroled or
discharged from the institution, they will be more or less self-support-ing;
but, of course, they will always have to be supervised at all times.
8 Annual Report
This is a brief outline of tlie training of the Caswell Training School.
Any academic schooling here is given only so far as it will fit inmates
to be trained in the various activities of the institution.
Tor the information of the Directors, I wish to say that those em-ployes
that have been with the institution one year get two weeks leave
of absence with pay; those less than one year, one week with pay.
I wish to thank the Board of Directors for the splendid cooperation
and helpful advice given to me during my administration. I am fur-ther
pleased to know there has not been the least friction or discord in
any of the meetings and discussions, and gladly say that you have lived
up to the promises made me the day I accepted the Superintendency of
Caswell Training School.
W. H. Dixon, M.D.,
Superintendent.
HOSPITAL REPORT
From September 1, 1925, to July 1, 1926
BY
Texie L. Bowman, Head Nurse
For the past ten months I have been acting as Head Nurse to the
institution, and by the help and encouragement of our Superintendent
and Medical Director, things have been going along very nicely in the
hospital.
I have had competent nurses most of the time, and I want to extend
my appreciation to Dr. Dixon and Dr. Wright for the consideration and
courtesy they have shown me during the j^ast ten months. As near as
possible, I have kept an accurate daily report of the hospital cases,
diagnoses, admissions, discharges, etc. The morning clinic, which is
held for the benefit of the children of the institutioUj has decreased
about one-half since September, 1925.
NUMEEE OF ClirLDREN ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL
DURTNG THE PAST TeH MONTHS
September 60 February 127
October 60 March 116
November 52 April 86
December 18 May 68
January 50 June 50
DiAGN^osis OF Hospital Cases
Hydrocephalus 2 Syphilis 8
Epilepsy 30 Menorrhagia 10
Old sores 18 Colds 40
Sprains 6 Scabies 38
Nervous diseases 9 Abrasions 1
Croup 20 Arthritis, acute 2
Rhus-Toxicodendron 35 Rhinitis, acute 2
Female trouble 6 Diarrhea 30
Wounds infected 2 Erysipelas 2
Bronchitis 16 Stomatitis 8
Idiots 14 Hordeolum 6
Stomach disturbance 25 Dysmenorrhea 10
Pyorrhea 16 Eczema 8
Wounds lacerated 1 Chicken-pox 10
Endocarditis, chronic 1 Pregnancy 1
Broncho-pneumonia 10 Otitis media 1
Tonsillitis 42 Burns, first and second degree.... 10
Influenza-pneumonia IS Ulcers 6
Fractures 1 Abscesses 6
Gastro-enteritis S Gonorrhea 4
Cystitis, acute, chronic 10 Furuncles 4
10 Annual Repoet
Number op Deaths and Causes
Dorothy Adams—Broncho-pneuraonia.
Roger Burgess—Tuberculosis.
Hallett Spencer—Acute dilatation of the heart.
Lizzie Thaxton—Rheumatoid arthritis.
Pauline Beatty—Acute dilatation of the heart.
George Boyles—Broncho-pneumonia.
Catherine Rogers—Broncho-pneumonia.
Hattie Mae Holland—Inanition Induced lay gastritis.
Willie Allen—Broncho-pneumonia.
Ethel Clarke—Broncho-pneumonia.
Mittie Shore's unnamed boy—Still-born.
Children Treated at ti-ie Dispens.\ry
Tonsillitis 44 Furuncles 45
Stomatitis 55 Wounds lacerated 5
Ulcers '. 15 Wounds infected 17
Abscesses 32 Otitis media 1
Sprains , 8 Pyorrhea 40
Burns (radiator) 6 Cuts 18
Gonorrhea 10
Number of urinalyses : 52
Number of miscroscopio examinations 20
Number of Wassermann examinations 15
Number of physical examinations:
Adults 20
Children 140
Total 160
WORK DONK 1> l>EiVTAL DEPARTMENT
Fro Hi .Uo)-c;i 1i. }92i:;. to June /, 1920
By Dr.. E. T. Koonce, Dentist
Cement filling 17
Amalgam filling i 276
Porcelain filling 46
Extractions 54
Treatments 27
Gums treated 8
Scaling and polishing 89
AVORK DONE AT EYE, E.AR, NOSE, AND THROAT CLINIC
From Augvst 1, 1925, to June 1, 1926
Dr. Parrott made examinations of all the children in the institution
during the months of August, September, October, and K'ovember. Dr.
Sabiston came one day in every week during the months of December,
January, February, March, April, May, and June.
Examinations made in December 48
Examinations made in January 32
Examinations made in February 30
Examinations made in March 28
The Caswell Teaining School 11
Examinations made in April 32
Examinations made in May 40
Examinations made in June 38
Total number of Neo-Salvarsan treatments 8
Mixed treatment by mouth 15
Number of children taking Pituitary 18
Number of children taking Thyroid 41
Number of children taking Luminal 24
Number of epileptic attacks during the months
—
September 152
October 180
November 201
December.... 177
January 150
February 120
March 90
April , 106
May 130
June .: 165
Respectfully submitted,
Texie L. Bowman,
Read Nurse.
WORK OF SEWING DEPARTMENT
Fiom June 30, 1925, to June 30, 1926
Rompers 502
Shirts ., 475
Dresses 638
Overalls.., 456
Bloomers 89
Aprons 202
Slips 327
Gowns 401
Drawers 82
Drawers and bodies ^. 281
Pants 39
Tablecloths , 4
Blouses 172
Teddies 174
Brassiers 146
Sheets 181
Infants' shirts 5
Coats ,
'
- 29
Union suits 54
Night shirts 74
Napkins , , 90
Pillow-slips 6
PRODUCTS RECEIVED FROM THE FARM
Green peas, shelled (lbs.) 1,277
Syrup ( gals. ) , 550
Cabbage (lbs.) 11,227
Squash (lbs.) ., 7,949
String beans (lbs. ) 2,392
Cucumbers (lbs.) S,5S5
Beets (lbs.) 5,981
Lettuce (lbs.) 4S6
Tomatoes 30,109
Watermelons ., 3,533
Cantaloupes 4,970
Ears corn 12,975
Dry peas (lbs.) 113
Turnips (lbs.) 6,652
Sweet potatoes (bus.) — 2,244
Peanuts ( bus. ) 61
Collards (lbs.) 12,950
Rutabagas ( lbs. ) ....- 639
Kale salad (lbs.) 2,141
Onions ( lbs. ) 1,302
Spinach (lbs. ) 94
Strawberries (qts.) 1,517
Garden peas, shelled (lbs.) 817
Dewberries (qts.) 5,463
White potatoes (bus.) , 962
Meat (lbs.) , 14,639
Eggs (doz.) 1,658
Chickens, dressed (lbs.) 343
Broilers (lbs.) 935
Milk (gals.) 35,242
Beef (lbs.) 2,395
Goat (lbs.) 1.200
ITEMIZED STATEMENT EXPENDITURES-MAINTENANCE
FUND
From June 30, 1925, to June 30, 1926
Maintenance appropriation, 1925-1926 $118,750.00
Receipts for 1925-1926 3,973.66
Total maintenance appropriation $122,723.66
EXPENDITURES
Office and Administration.
1101 Executive salaries $ 7,060.89
1103 Clerical salaries 1,778.33
1104 Inspectional salaries 511.50
1109 Per diem and fees 894.42
1201 Office supplies 148.25
1301 Postage 303.14
1302 Telephone and telegraph 331.96
1303 Freight, express, and drayage 25.20
1401 Hotel and meals
1402 Railroad and other fares 337.50
1403 Mileage allowance 36.60 '
1501 Printing, stationery, office forms, etc 248.68
1508 Publication of notices and advertising 114.58
1601 Motor vehicles upkeep 2,360.59
1902 Rent of buildings, offices, and lands 275.50
1903 Rent of equipment 4.50
1905 Miscellaneous expense 75.22
2203 Premiums on official bonds 20.00
3101 Office equipment and furnishings 66.21
3107 Motor vehicles purchased 1,436.75
1210 Library supplies 44.00
Total ? 16,073.82
Subsistence.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 2,052.62
. 1106 Skilled labor 2,630.53
1107 Unskilled labor 36.56
3103 Dining-room and kitchen equipment 724.32
1216 Shop supplies and materials 30.23
1203A Meats, fish, and fowl 2,984.46
1203B Dairy products and eggs 62.56
1203C Cereal food products 6,792.92
1203D Vegetables 1,602.01
1203E Fruits and nuts 824.73
1203P Saccharine products 1,882.23
1203G Beverages 575.19
1203H Condiments, flavors, and pickles 245.62
12031 Fats, oils, and miscellaneous provisions 1,122.20
Total 21,566.18
The Caswell Training School 15
h0usekeej>in6. /
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 1,630.00
1202 Cleaning and household supplies 1,607.93
1204 Sewing supplies and dry goods 2,148.95
1217 Ice and other refrigeration supplies 1,756.40
1222 Wearing apparel purchased 1,271.57
1223 Miscellaneous fuel IS. 90
1216 Shop supplies and materials 154.44
3102 Institutional furniture and furnishings 1,351.10
3104 Bedding and linens 1,021.36
3119 Plumbing equipment 58.50
3120 Electrical equipment 362.13
1106 Skilled labor 1,173.83 :
Total $ 12,554.61
Laundering.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 1,072.19 .
1205 Laundry supplies 703.79
1904 Outside laundering and cleaning 77.00
3105 Laundry equipment 179.25
Total 2,032.23
Medical and Surgical Cake.
1102 Professional and technical salaries $ 2,263.51
1206 Medical and surgical supplies 380.95
1207 Drugs and medicines 1,215.73
120S Laboratory supplies and materials 64.60
3106 Medical and surgical equipment 30.08
Total _ 3,954.87
Nursing and Attendance.
1102 Professional and technical salaries $ 105.00
1105 Supervisors' salaries 1,104.09
1107 Unskilled labor 9,770.87
Total 10,979.96
Light, Heat, Power, and Water.
1106 Skilled labor $ 1,496.93
1107 Unskilled labor 1,875.00
1108 Cummutation 26.00
1218 Power and heating plant supplies 474.98
1224 Coal (including freight) 13,049.61
1701 Light, power, and water 550.47
3118 Power and heating plant equipment 1,548.40
Total 19,021.39
16 Annual Repoet
Cajrb of Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment.
1106 Skilled labor $ 2,208.33
1107 Unskilled labor 82.70
1213 Botanical and grounds supplies 492.01
1219 Plumbing supplies and materials 280.59
1220 Electrical supplies and materials 123.71
1221 General supplies and materials 2,001.38
1802 Repairs to building and structures 70.37
3121 General equipment 191.62
3116 Shop equipment 42.75
Total $ 5,493.46
INSTEUCTIONAL. ...
1204 Sewing supplies and dry goods $ 2.00
1209 Classroom and teachers' supplies 257.79
1102 Professional and technical salaries 4,326.20
3109 Classroom and teachers' equipment 18.81
Total 4,604.80
Agkicultubal.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 2,616.60
1107 Unskilled labor 4,452.37
1214 Farm and dairy supplies 5,021.47
1215 Forage and supplies for animals 9,580.54
3114 Farm and dairy equipment 245.55
3115 Livestock 485.00
Total 22,401.53
$118,682.85
Maintenance appropriation $122,723.66
Expenditures -. 118,682.85
Unexpended balance of appropriation, June 30, 1926 $ 4,040.81
REPORT OF EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
The activities of the educational department during the past year
included
:
1. Departmental reorganization.
2. Completion and classification of pupils throughout the institution.
3. Academic and general training classes.
4. Household classes and training for domestic service.
5. Manual training and craft work.
6. ISTight classes in citizenship training.
7. Physical education, general school exercises, and recreational activ-ities.
8. Industrial training in institutional work assignments.
9. Teacher training and supervision.
10. Testing and educational research problems.
There are certain points in regard to the training of pupils in a
school for feebleminded that may be fitly emphasized
:
Feeblemindedness is a condition, not a disease; hence a training
school is not a hospital—its function is not primarily therapeutic, but
educational.
We do not "cure" children—we train them.
Training cannot give a child intelligence ; it can only aid him in the
development and efficient direction of that intelligence (be it little or
much) with which nature has endowed him.
If we can train a higher grade child to launder, sew, read, write,
work in the dairy or on the farm, it is because he has the innate ability
to learn these things and profit by them, not because we have increased
his intelligence.
To develop in the right direction a child's emotions and powers of
will or self-control is as important as to train his intelligence.
It is the function of the educational department to study the indi-vidual
needs of every pupil, and so to group these puj)ils that we may
train them, not necessarily to the limit of their academic possibilities,
but to the limit of what they can use effectively—both of handwork and
headwork—in everyday life, for their own welfare and that of others.
It is also the function of this department, by making available its
experience, to aid in the right care and training of those feebleminded
outside the institution who can profit best by extra-institutional care.
Finally, the whole problem of the education of the feebleminded is
today a specialized field. It demands patience, wisdom, special training,
and, above all, a sense of relative values.
18 Annual Report
1. Depahtmektai Reorganization.
Beginning with September, 1925, the previous educational and craft
departments were reorganized as one department, cutting the overhead
expenses for the combined departments to half the cost of the previous
year.
2. Classification.
Figure I shows the total number of inmates (411) grouped according
to their wards and buildings. The number of pupils of each degree of
mental deficiency is shown for every ward, and for the institution as a
whole. It must be borne in mind, however, that there is no sharp divid-ing
line between the various grades of mental deficiency, any more than
between mental defect and normality. Each group merges gradually
into the next. The object of the chart is to permit a rapid survey of
the general classification within the institution.
Figure II shows the percentage of low-grade and higher grade pupils
usually found in institutions for feebleminded, as compared with the
percentage of low and higher grades at present in The Caswell Training
School. The percentage and number of pup)ils in each training group
at Caswell are also shown. It will be seen that so large a percentage of
lower grade pupils form a serious handicap to the progress of the higher
grade pupils in the institution.
The classification of pupils throughout the institution, in connection
vrith the educational work during the past year, was as follows
:
The academic and general training classes that formed the nucleus of
the school department during 1925-26 included the 75 children in the
institution who were from 3-10 years mentally, and under 16 years of
age. One j)upil over 16 was taken into these classes from special train-ing
during the second school term. This boy, with an I.Q. of 61, had
had very little previous schooling, and progressed from I to III grade
standard in the minimum essentials of reading, writing, and practical
arithmetic in four months time, in addition to his work in other classes
(manual training, etc.).
The pupils in the household training or home economics classes ranged
in age from 13 years upwards, and from 6-12 years in mentality.
The junior manual training classes (one girls'" group and one boys'
group) ranged in age from 9-16 years, and from 5-10 years in mentality.
The girls' senior craft classes included 64 pupils over 16 years of age,
and from 4-12 years mentally.
A small group of farm boys, ranging in age from 17-24 years, and
from 6-12 years in mentality, voluntarily attended night classes twice a
week in the school department. The above classes included 156 pupils
in all.
Further industrial training of pupils was undertaken in the various
institutional work assignments. The majority of these pupils were
The Caswell Teaining School 19
BuiLDiNC. Distribution —
No. of Rtpils
00
Bsys Cirh Tololi
Bordtrlinc 10 5 IS
Moron 31 64 95
Imiiicite 68 112 l&l
Idiot 72 48 110
TotaU 181 230 411
10- T /. '^!!
^* •i
<a
^i <^ i-r
•^ «^ 5
CM Si
?> -
-
Total Distribution ^
1 5 BCRDLRLINl GSSS
95 MOKON
181 IMBCCILE
120 IDIOT
411
l&l BOYS
230 CIRLS
411
iisums'jm-iiii'&'aiamKm}}^,
v^/v^.yy.,'
FiGTJEE I
Showing the status of the population at The Caswell Training School on
July 1, 1926. (For differentiation between high and low gi-ade imbe-ciles,
see Figure II.)
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The Caswell Training School 21
over 16 years of age, with a mental age range from 5-12 years. In addi-tion,
32 lower grade imbeciles were employed iu simple tasks around
the institution and as helpers in the wards. This brought the number
of pupils under training up to 237.
All pupils of imbecile and moron level attended chapel exercises
three times a week, and for special exercises on holiday occasions. In
connection with the recreational activities of the institution, pupils
were classified also into socially homogeneous groups.
The school department thus concerned itself more or less directly
with every one of the 291 pupils within the institution who are above
the idiot level. For the latter (i.e., the idiots) we hope to establish
habit-training classes in the fall, such as are found in all up-to-date
institutions of our type elsewhere.
3. Academic and Genee.u: Thaining Classes.
The academic and general training classes {"Practice Classes," as we
prefer to call them) for pupils under 16 consisted of five classes, i.e.,
three groups of young and lower grade pupils at pre-kindergarten and
kindergarten level, and two "Advanced Groups" of higher grade pupils
—one for the boys and one for the girls.
The aim in the three lower groups was to establish, by means of
physical training, sense training and the kindergarten gifts and occu-pations,
and a groundwork of correct habits on which to build later
practical household, manual, academic, and industrial training as
suited to the intelligence of the pupils.
The academic work in the boys' and girls' "Advanced Groups" in-cluded
in its program a certain minimum amount of graded work in
reading, writing, and arithmetic, from I to IV grade standard. In gen-eral,
a pujiil was expected to reach the grade standard indicaied by his
mental age.
From one hour to an hour and a half out of the school day was sjjent
on this work, the remainder of the pupils' school time being spent on
manual, physical, and industrial training. This gives a fair idea of the
relative importance attached to academic training in the institution. It
is by no means considered the only type of training necessary. It covers
only from one-fifth to one-fourth of the higher grade pupils' school day.
For the boys and girls in these "Advanced Groups" reading, writing,
and some practical arithmetic form at least a necessary pa)-i of their
future working equipment. They are sufficiently intelligent to profit
by such instruction, and are being trained to become future wage-earn-ers
in colonies or on parole. For them, therefore, with double signifi-cance
education is "a hahit-training program, a matter of getting the
right habits."
All the school classes meet in the chapel every morning for "Morning
Exercises" before going to their classrooms. These exercises are opened
22 Anntjal Report
regularly with the flag salute and the National Anthem. "Wherever pos-sible,
the classes have been encouraged to help each other and work
together for the good of the entire group. In all classes, the importance
of forming the right working habits—habits of obedience, exactness,
cheerfulness, trustworthiness, "stick-to-itiveness," and thrift—was con-stantly
stressed by providing the children with the right kind of opjjor-tunity
for establishing such habits. As an example of "working to-gether"
and lessons of "thrift," the following might be cited : The furni-ture
used for the past year and a half in the pre-kindergarten class was
old, discarded kitchen furniture which was painted and made over by
the boys' manual training class. It serves its present purpose admi-rably.
In the same class, too, most of the teaching material (including
300 blocks made by the boys) was fashioned out of waste material.
The floor of the "gym" was also repaired by the boys.
4. Household Classes and Tkaining foe Domestic Service.
The domestic science classes undertook simple household cookery and
care of the home. The afternoon classes in practical housekeeping-assumed
the general care of the schoolrooms and chapel, while the morn-ing
housekeeping classes undertook to care for a small group of bed-rooms
and living-room. This provided household training of the most
practical kind. The work was carefully graded, each child being kept
at an allotted task until that task was thoroughly learned, before being
given a more difficult task. Daily records of the work was kept by the
teacher in charge of the classes. As a result of this training we are now
able to place these pupils directly to more responsible tasks in the gen-eral
work of the institution, while others who have since been paroled
to their own homes will find there the opportunity to make practical use
of their training.
5. Manual Training and Craft Work.
a. Boys' Junior Manual Training Class.
The work in this class included simple woodwork projects, involving
the correct use of saw, plane, and hammer, and the finishing of surfaces
(sandpapering, painting, varnishing, etc.). The completed projects
included a book cupboard, set of shelves, coat hangers, additional blocks
and toys for the younger children, a number of odd mending jobs in the
school department (table, drawers, cupboard^ etc.), and the staging used
for the various school exercises throughout the year. Some of the work
done in this class during the previous year has already been mentioned.
The stenciling done by the boys during the past year and a half in-cluded
a club banner and badges, commercial lettering for practical
purposes around the institution, a large stenciled curtain, and other
articles for institutional use. Some block printing and poster work
was done towards the end of this year.
The Caswell Tr.u^'ing School 23
h. Girls' Junior Manual Training Class.
This class did some plain sewing and simple craft work; also poster
work and various other types of hand work more or less closely corre-lated
with the academic class work. The aim in this class was to give
the initial training on which to build later more advanced manual and
industrial training in the senior craft classes and institutional work
assignments.
c. Girls' Senior Craft Classes.
These three senior classes made over 5.50 articles during the year,
including 44 rugs woven on the looms. About half of these rugs were
made out of waste material, the strips for the rugs being torn, cut and
sewed by lower grade pupils.
Some of the articles made in the craft room were placed in use in
the institution, some were used as additional Christmas gifts for the
pupils, and others were sold to supply further material for craft work.
Two exhibits were prepared d-uring the year, one being sent to the
Franklin County Fair, Louisburg, and the other to the Welfare Workers'
Conference, Greensboro. The decorations and costumes for the various
exercises and entertainments given by the children were also made in
the craft room.
While the amount of work turned out by these classes was consider-able,
we were not primarily concerned with the output, but rather with
the training value of the work for the pupils. All of the work was
taught in carefully graded steps, and each project subdivided into "jobs"
requiring different grades of ability. In this way many tasks became
"community projects" at which different pupils, varying widely in intel-lectual
endowment, worked harmoniously together towards some com-mon
end.
6. IN'iGHT Classes in Citizenship Training.
The term "citizenship training" is here used to denote only the
simplest and most elementary type of training for eommunity living.
Complexity of environment and citizenship activities vary widely in any
community, but democracy demands that even the humblest individual
develop certain habits and attitudes that are primarily assential to
community well-being and progress. The stable higher grade boy in
the institution, who is working steadily day by day, and looking forward
to parole, needs some such additional training. Here in later adoles-cence
ideas may be got across and the boy develop a social maturity
(within limits) that lay beyond his grasp at an earlier age.
All the boys who voluntarily attended these night classes were above
the age limit of the regular school classes (i.e., over 16 years), and
worked full time on the farm in the daytime. Their school achieve-ments
ranged from I to V grade. The main problem was to give them
what they ought to have along with that they wanted. All wanted to
24 . Annual Report
take further work in reading. So by using for the less advanced pupils
such books as "The Country Life Reader" (an adult beginners' reader)
and for the more advanced pupils the daily papers and suitable books
and magazines, a wide range of topics was brought up for discussion.
Such points as saving, the care of one's own and other people's property,
how to keep a bank account, "safety first" programs, fire prevention,
forest conservation, etc., aroused a keen interest when linked up with
the boys' daily activities and their future outside the institution.
We realize that mere discussions and the forming of opinions mean
little unless carried over into action and concrete habit-training; also
that physical training and further training for constructive use of
leisure time should be included in even the simplest program of citizen-ship
training. It will be evident, therefore, that the work done in these
night classes was more or less in the nature of a "try-out"—a mere
beginning. "We hope, with the opening of our new boys' building this
fall, to develop this phase of the work further.
7. Physical Education, General School Exercises, and Recrea-tional
Activities.
a. Physical Education.
The aim of the work in physical education is fourfold: (1) Training
for muscular coordination; (2) Health maintenance; (3) Citizenship
training (development of "team sjiirit" and ideas of fair play) ; (4) Re-creation.
Beyond the elementary work done in the kindergarten classes, the
physical training classes during the past year included two groups, the
junior boys' groui3 and the junior girls' group. These corresponded to
the boys' and girls' advanced school groups, and junior manual training
classes.
The junior boys' physical training class and scout work were directed
by Mr. Morton, in addition to his building work, until the latter part
of the year, when the passing away of this fine worker and friend of the
boys left us without anyone to carry on the regular class in gymnastics,
military tactics (marching, facing, wheeling, etc.), track work and field
games. The scout work was given into Mrs. Morton's charge, at her
request, and the work of i^reparation for the tenderfoot examination
carried forward to the end of the school year. We are anxious to have
this work established as a regular part of the recreational activities on
the boys' side, and appreciate the interest shown by Scout Executive
W. W. Rivers, of Goldsboro, and a number of Kinston friends. The
boys' eagerness to continue the work speaks for itself.
The program in the junior girls' physical training class covered the
various activities enumerated in the "iSTorth Carolina Syllabus in
Physical Education, for Elementary Grades," up to III grade difficulty.
The Caswell Training School 25
The work thus iucluded healtli habit training, correct posture work,
gymnastic lessons, marching, facing and wheeling, plays and games,
rhythmic exercises and athletic contests. Marked progress was made
by this group.
The work in physical education is much hampered by lack of proper
facilities. The "gym" (an old kitchen with the partitions taken out)
needs lining and heating for winter work. Two dozen pairs of dumb-bells
bought this year represent our sole equipment. Additional equip-ment
and provision for physical training of older pijpils is needed.
b. General School Exercises.
The chapel exercises which were held three times a week throughout
the school year, for all puj)ils above the idiot level, included (a) Wed-nesday
morning exercises at which stories and simple patriotic and
seasonal instruction were interspersed with school songs and individual
and group items by pupils; (b) Friday night moving-picture shows;
(c) Sunday afternoon religious exercises. The Wednesday and Sunday
exercises opened regularly with the flag salute by the entire assembly,
and the national anthem or some other patriotic song.
Special entertainments were held to celebrate Hallowe'en, Armistice
Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Washington's Birthday, and Easter. In
addition, two successful concerts were given outside the institution, at
Kinston and Ayden, and elicited favorable press comment. Our thanks
are due to the management of the Kinston Grand Theatre and the presi-dent
of the Ayden Seminary for their kindly cooperation and the use of
their buildings for our performances.
The programs in these eight different entertainments throughout the
year were rendered entirely by the pupils, and consisted of plays, reci-tations,
rhythmic exercises, and vocal and pianoforte items. The work
was produced mainly under the tuition of the music teacher, with the
assistance of other members of the teaching staff. The pupils' choir,
quartet, and singing classes contributed largely to the success of the
programs, as did also the dainty costumes and stage decorations made by
the craft classes.
An interesting additional feature of the singing classes this year was
the teaching of little nursery rhymes to the seguin or pre-kindergarten
classes. These children gained a great deal of pleasure from such work.
Though we missed the work in individual speech correction by one of
the previous teachers, regular work in speech training was done in con-nection
with the program work and singing classes. It is especially im-portant
that obvious speech defects in any of our higher grade pupils
be corrected as early as jjossible, as these make the child doubly sensi-tive
and hinder his successful adjustment either in the institution or
elsewhere.
26 Annual Report
The pianoforte work covered by a few specially chosen pupils who
could profit by it and thus render, when needed, useful service in playing
for the marching and other work of classes, has given gratifying results.
Two pupils in particular show special music ability beyond the general
level of their intelligence (high grade moron). During the past year,
in addition to their other class work, they have made musical progress
equal to that of the average normal child. Their work has contributed
much to the various exercises of the institution, and to the happiness of
the children in general.
Program work, we find, does much to clinch and illumine, from the
child's point of view, the work done in other classes. It gives, also,
that invaluable thing to children who have hitherto looked upon them-selves
as failures—a feeling of success, and public approbation. Last,
but not least, it adds considerably to the happiness of the pupils—both
performers and audience.
c. Recreational Activities.
The annual visit to the Kinston Fair of around three hundred of our
pupils is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in our children's
lives, and the kindness of the management in allowing our children free
entrance to the grounds, and to the various shows and amusements, is
much appreciated.
The Christmas packages sent to our children by the Philathea classes
from all over I^orth Carolina is another annual source of joy to the
puijils. The ijackages are sent to those pupils (150 pupils) who have
no "home folks" to remember them at Christmas time. These gifts
bespeak the loving care and thoughtfuluess of those who make Christ-mas
an occasion for remembering others less fortunate than themselves.
We are also indebted to the following for the happy events that were
occasioned by their thoughtfuluess : to the management of the Grand
Theatre, Kinston, for allowing our pupils free entrance to performances
at the theatre during Thanksgiving week, and to the State College Band,
Ayden Seminary Glee Club, and the Oxford Orphanage, for the delight-ful
entertainments they gave to our children.
Of the further recreational activities directed within the institution
may be mentioned numberless hikes after work hours, on Saturday after-noonSj
Sundays, and special holidays. There were also occasional weiner
roasts, and during the winter a series of simple little parties, consisting
of an hour's indoor games with pieces of candy as prizes. These outings
and parties included the different groups of pupils in the various school
classes and work details.
8. Industrial Training in Institutional Work Assignments.
a. Schedule of Assignments.
Many of our pupils have remained for years in one or two depart-ments.
This did not make it possible to consider the needs of either the
The Caswell Training School 27
children or the institution in regard to the more varied industrial train-ing
of pupils. The parole of a number of older pupils and the influx of
new untrained ones left several work details considerably understaffed
in the way of trained workers. It was necessary, therefore, to provide
for some more comprehensive and adequate scheme of training than
had existed heretofore. The aim of the present schedule of assignments
is to assist in providing a thorough and practical training for possible
parole candidates, and also to insure an adequate, continuous supply of
trained institution workers for the various details.
Before planning the schedule, ratings for each pupil in quality of
work and behavior were obtained from those in charge of each of the
departments in which a child had worked. A five-point rating scale
was used. These ratings, together with the mental age of a pujjil, his
"achievement quotient," special aptitudes (where such existed) and
peculiarities of temperament, as well as the most suitable type of train-ing
for each individual pupil at present, were all duly considered in
the placing of every child in the schedule. Special effort was made to
arrange suitable programs for problem pupils.
b. Training and Progress.
A daily record of the pupils' progress in each department was kej)t.
In this way we have been able to keep check on the progress of every
piupil, and much worth-while training has been accomplished by the
matrons and those in charge. Some buildings maintained a very high
standard of household training for their puj)ils—notably, the discipline
ward and the hospital. In the junior ward one higher grade girl was
trained as kindergarten helper by the matron in charge, who directed a
kindergarten class for the small children in addition to her other work
on the ward. Much has been done to raise the pupils' standard of work
in the various work departments. For example, in the sewing room the
garments are better made, and here as elsewhere the children took pride
in producing a superior article, and increasing their speed of work at
the same time. The value of such training for the future wage-earning
capacity of the pupils, as well as for institutional efficiency, is obvious.
In regard to the training of children of lower mentality, one girl with
a five-year mind has learned, in carefully graded steps, first to sew on
buttons, next the cutting and sewing of strips for rag carpets, and now
she has started making quilts. She has also made a fair attempt at
buttonholes. In the mending room a number of high-grade imbeciles
have learned to patch and mend very nicely. We hope to extend this
work downwards, and with the further development of our seguin or
pre-kindergarten classes, we expect to train all our low-grade and mid-grade
imbeciles to do many tjpes of useful, simple routine work under
supervision. The building matron in charge of these children during
28 Annual Repoet
the past few moBths has given much time and thought to training them
in habits of obedience and personal cleanliness, and will assist in their
additional training during the coming year.
9. Teacher Training and Supervision.
A definite program in teacher training and supervision was carried
on throughout the year. A schedule of three lecture hours per week, in
general classroom management, educational psychology, and psychology
and pedagogy of the subnormal, for a period of 30 weeks, made a total
of 100 hours of class work, including 10 hours of demonstration in
addition to 90 lecture hours. Upon recommendation from the Depart-ment
of Psychology at the University of North Carolinaj one of its
graduate students who intends to take up Special Class work in the
public schools of ISTorth Carolina this fall, attended the teacher train-ing
classes at The Caswell Training School for the month of June,
giving at the same time her teaching services to the school.
10. Testing and Educational Research Problems.
Psychometric examinations (Terman) made during the period from
June 1, 1925, to July 1, 1926, were as follows:
Clinic cases 14
Institution cases 41
55
A series of charts for administrative use in a school for feebleminded
and in Special Class work is being developed. The purpose of these
charts will be to indicate the relations between chronological age, mental
age, intelligence quotient, school placement, and probable educational
and occupational programs. In this way we hope to make it possible
that such information in regard to any particular pupil or group of
pupils can be readily arranged in a convenient graphic form for the use
of teachers and administrators. The charts are a modification of the
"Providence Personnel Charts" worked out by Dr. Richard D. Allen,
lecturer in vocational guidance at Harvard University and director of
research and guidance in the public schools of Providence, R. I. The
"Institutional Personnel Chart" and the "Special Class Chart" are
based on the study of 1,200 institutional and Special Class pupils,
including 425 present and past pupils of The Caswell Training School.
E. Ernst, Principal.
STATE LIBRARY OF NORTH CAROLINA
3 3091 00748 0247

T22 '^'^"^ ...a Library
ANNUAL REPORT
N. C
Doc
of the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
and SUPERINTENDENT
of the
Caswell Training School
For Mental Defectives
at
Flag Station, Hines Junction
KINSTON, N. C.
For the Year Ending June JO, ig26
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
' and SUPERINTENDENT
of the
Caswell Training School
For Mental Defectives
at
Flag Station, Hines Junction
KINSTON, N. C.
For the Year Ending June SO, IQ26
Raleigh
Capital Printing Company
State Printers
1926
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Hon. L. p. Tapp, Chairman .- Kinston
Hon. L. a. Bethune : Clinton
Dr. W. W. Dawson Grifton
Dr. G. H. M.A.CON Warrenton
Mb. S. F. McCotter Vandemere
Prof. T. E. WHiTAKsat Oak Ridge
Mr. V. 0. Parker Raleigh
Mr. C. W. Lassitee Spring Hope
*Me. J. Hakpeb Alexander Scotland Neck
EXECUTIVE AND BUILDING COMMITTEE
Hon. L. p. Tapp, Chairman Kinston
Hon. L. a. Bethune Clinton
Dr. W. W. Dawson Grifton
Resigned.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To His Excellency, Hon. Angus "W. McLean,
Governor of North Carolina.
Deab Sir :—We have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency
the Annual Report of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent of
The Caswell Training School for mental defectives, for the years 1925
and 1926.
Respectfully suhmitted,
L. P. Tapp, Chairman,
De. W. "W. Dawson,
L. A. Bethune,
Executive Committee.
OFFICERS OF INSTITUTION
Siii)erinte7ident :
'"
W. H. Dixon, M.D.
Medical Director:
J. T. Wright, M.D.
Head Nurse
:
Miss Texie Bowman
School Principal:
Miss Elba Ebnst ,
Head Matron:
MiiS. Florence Leonard
Business Manager
:
W. L. Sutton
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees:
I am pleased to make the usual annual report, wliich is the first
report under my administration. I need not note all of the complex
conditions existing when I assumed charge. I am pleased to say we do
not now have any opposing forces constantly uprising and trying to
hinder the success of the institution.
We have secured the services of Dr. J. T. Wright as medical director
and psychiatrist. He has proven efficient, willing, and capable for the
work of our institution. I also secured Miss Texie Bowman as head
nurse. I am pleased wdth the services she has rendered us. Due to the
splendid services of Dr. Wright and Miss Bowman, in my opinion, the
health of the institution will compare favorably with any institution
with the same kind of inmates and population. {See reports of Medical
Director and Head Nurse.)
We were unfortunate in losing one of our most efficient attendants,
caused by influenza-pneumonia. I refer to Mr. C M. Morton.
I have tried to improve the personnel of the matrons and attendants,
and in a measure I have succeeded. The discipline of the children has
improved very much during the past year with the exception of a few.
A few, of course, are always a problem.
Dr. James M. Parrott, of Kinston, has been employed as eye, ear,
nose, and throat specialist to treat, cure, and correct as many of these
troubles as possible. His first work was to make a general examination
of every inmate, also noting the condition of the teeth as well as his
particular line. During his illness he continued his work by sending
his able assistant. Dr. Sabiston.
Another departure was in the securing of Dr. Koonce as dentist, who
has been giving two afternoons every week, four hours each, doing
extractions, temporary fillings, cleaning, and treatment of pyorrhea.
The work of Dr. Wright, Dr. Parrott, and Dr. Koonce will appear in
their reports. The report of the school department will explain itself
and will follow in the usual order of reports.
COST AND ECONOMY
We had, to begin with, a decrease in the usual appropriation for
maintenance for the institution, also found the per capita cost $1.12.
By economy in the various dej)artments of the institution and in the
meantime getting close cooperation between the different heads of the
departments and trying to effect a saving where possible, we have
reduced the per capita cost to 84 cents plus per day. The difference
6 Annual Report
between 84 cents and $1.12 is 28 cents, a saving in one day of $108;
a saving in 365 days or one year of $39,420. We now have the average
cost per day for the institution as a whole $325.16, whereas one year
ago it cost $390.06 per day as a whole, when the per capita cost was
$1.12.
In practicing economy, we have tried not to let the economy inter-fere
with efficient and proper quantities of food, and in doing this,
trying to secui'e a proper food balance. We have been constantly be-sieged
with calls all over the State for the admission of unfortunate
children. This includes calls from morons down to idiots, and after
trying to use discretion and good judgment, we have selected those that
we could give eiBeient training that would be a real help to them.
During the early part of the year 1926 work began in the reconstruc-tion
of the High Grade Boys' Building. Floors were ordered placed in
the Pollock Building, first and second stories. To increase the water
supply at our institution, a new pump and reservoir is being installed.
We have been constantly handicapi^ed for the lack of water since my
administration. It appears now that we will have the use of all these
improvements in a very short time.
NEEDS OF THE EN'STITUTION UV WAY OP REPAIRS
AND EVIPKOVEMENTS
The cottages are badly in need of repairs, such as plastering and
painting, and some other repairs. If it were possible to get them, we
should have not less than three more cottages, as I find married help
more satisfactory than the single help. I have had, time and again, to
refuse married help because of the fact that we did not have the housing-facilities
for them.
The bathrooms and toilets of the Pollock Building are in such condi-tion
that water soaks through these floors. Something, of necessity,
must be done to correct this defect.
Your attention has been called to the need of an additional silo at
our dairy barn. In my opinion, were this silo erected it would pay for
itself in the saving of feed within two years time.
MOVEMENT OP POPULATION
At the beginning of the fiscal year 1925 there were 357 inmates in
Caswell Training School. Since then there has been a gradual increase.
At the beginning of the fiscal year 1926 we had in our institution 411
inmates. The average number of children was 385 plus. Of this num-ber,
14 have been paroled, 12 died, 27 ran away (20 of these have been
returned), 11 were taken home by parents for various causes. Total
number of inmates admitted, 89. The vacation months for employes
and inmates are July and August. Quite a number of the inmates are
now home on vacation and a few of the employes.
The Caswell Tbaining School
TYPES OF TRAINING GIVEN
Training in a generalized way is given according to the mentality of
the individual. What training can be given to low-grade imbeciles ?
Teach them simple commands : how to feed themselves, how to dress
themselves, and how to do simple duties in the dormitories, such as bed-making
and sweeping. In industrial activities they also may receive
some training, such as rug-making and assorting material. In the
craft department they are trained to make mats, rugs, and to do other
simple work in the training room. For this type of inmate it takes
about tAventy months to fit him or her to perform one simple task.
Some one will ask, "'Is it worth the time to train one to do these simple
things ?" Yes, it gives them something useful to do. Keep them em-ployed,
and of course they do not have time to destroy their clothes and
the furniture, neither do they have time to engage in mischief-making
among themselves; they are much more easily managed and their
behavior problems are lessened very much.
We are, at this time, training them to march, and they are very much
interested in this. Anything that interests them makes them happy.
This is one of the ideals we are trying to reach. When you make one
of them happy, you have solved some of their behavior problems.
The mid-grade imbecile, of course, can receive much more training
than the low-grade imbecile. From this type, with proper training,
we can take care of the majority of work at our institution, such as
milking, picking vegetables, preparing vegetables for cooking, and clean-ing
various utensils and implements about the kitchen. Some are helpers
in the dining-room and dormitories. They become very efficient in the
art and craft department in weaving, rug-making, flower-making, bas-ketry,
tatting, crocheting, and many other things too numerous to
mention.
The moron or high-grade tyjje can be taught to do vocational and
industrial work that the normal can do. There is no limit to their train-ing
if you are careful to direct them in what they are interested. The
higher and more responsible duties are done largely by this type. Among
these duties are : laundering, sewing, house-cleaning, dairying, and
farming, which includes plowing, mowing, wagon-driving, hay-making,
harvesting corn and other grain. We expect, in the near future, to
begin training in painting, carpentry, shoe repairing, gardening, and
the taking care of grounds around the buildings.
We try to make them as efficient as possible through the various lines
of training. When it becomes possible for inmates to be paroled or
discharged from the institution, they will be more or less self-support-ing;
but, of course, they will always have to be supervised at all times.
8 Annual Report
This is a brief outline of tlie training of the Caswell Training School.
Any academic schooling here is given only so far as it will fit inmates
to be trained in the various activities of the institution.
Tor the information of the Directors, I wish to say that those em-ployes
that have been with the institution one year get two weeks leave
of absence with pay; those less than one year, one week with pay.
I wish to thank the Board of Directors for the splendid cooperation
and helpful advice given to me during my administration. I am fur-ther
pleased to know there has not been the least friction or discord in
any of the meetings and discussions, and gladly say that you have lived
up to the promises made me the day I accepted the Superintendency of
Caswell Training School.
W. H. Dixon, M.D.,
Superintendent.
HOSPITAL REPORT
From September 1, 1925, to July 1, 1926
BY
Texie L. Bowman, Head Nurse
For the past ten months I have been acting as Head Nurse to the
institution, and by the help and encouragement of our Superintendent
and Medical Director, things have been going along very nicely in the
hospital.
I have had competent nurses most of the time, and I want to extend
my appreciation to Dr. Dixon and Dr. Wright for the consideration and
courtesy they have shown me during the j^ast ten months. As near as
possible, I have kept an accurate daily report of the hospital cases,
diagnoses, admissions, discharges, etc. The morning clinic, which is
held for the benefit of the children of the institutioUj has decreased
about one-half since September, 1925.
NUMEEE OF ClirLDREN ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL
DURTNG THE PAST TeH MONTHS
September 60 February 127
October 60 March 116
November 52 April 86
December 18 May 68
January 50 June 50
DiAGN^osis OF Hospital Cases
Hydrocephalus 2 Syphilis 8
Epilepsy 30 Menorrhagia 10
Old sores 18 Colds 40
Sprains 6 Scabies 38
Nervous diseases 9 Abrasions 1
Croup 20 Arthritis, acute 2
Rhus-Toxicodendron 35 Rhinitis, acute 2
Female trouble 6 Diarrhea 30
Wounds infected 2 Erysipelas 2
Bronchitis 16 Stomatitis 8
Idiots 14 Hordeolum 6
Stomach disturbance 25 Dysmenorrhea 10
Pyorrhea 16 Eczema 8
Wounds lacerated 1 Chicken-pox 10
Endocarditis, chronic 1 Pregnancy 1
Broncho-pneumonia 10 Otitis media 1
Tonsillitis 42 Burns, first and second degree.... 10
Influenza-pneumonia IS Ulcers 6
Fractures 1 Abscesses 6
Gastro-enteritis S Gonorrhea 4
Cystitis, acute, chronic 10 Furuncles 4
10 Annual Repoet
Number op Deaths and Causes
Dorothy Adams—Broncho-pneuraonia.
Roger Burgess—Tuberculosis.
Hallett Spencer—Acute dilatation of the heart.
Lizzie Thaxton—Rheumatoid arthritis.
Pauline Beatty—Acute dilatation of the heart.
George Boyles—Broncho-pneumonia.
Catherine Rogers—Broncho-pneumonia.
Hattie Mae Holland—Inanition Induced lay gastritis.
Willie Allen—Broncho-pneumonia.
Ethel Clarke—Broncho-pneumonia.
Mittie Shore's unnamed boy—Still-born.
Children Treated at ti-ie Dispens.\ry
Tonsillitis 44 Furuncles 45
Stomatitis 55 Wounds lacerated 5
Ulcers '. 15 Wounds infected 17
Abscesses 32 Otitis media 1
Sprains , 8 Pyorrhea 40
Burns (radiator) 6 Cuts 18
Gonorrhea 10
Number of urinalyses : 52
Number of miscroscopio examinations 20
Number of Wassermann examinations 15
Number of physical examinations:
Adults 20
Children 140
Total 160
WORK DONK 1> l>EiVTAL DEPARTMENT
Fro Hi .Uo)-c;i 1i. }92i:;. to June /, 1920
By Dr.. E. T. Koonce, Dentist
Cement filling 17
Amalgam filling i 276
Porcelain filling 46
Extractions 54
Treatments 27
Gums treated 8
Scaling and polishing 89
AVORK DONE AT EYE, E.AR, NOSE, AND THROAT CLINIC
From Augvst 1, 1925, to June 1, 1926
Dr. Parrott made examinations of all the children in the institution
during the months of August, September, October, and K'ovember. Dr.
Sabiston came one day in every week during the months of December,
January, February, March, April, May, and June.
Examinations made in December 48
Examinations made in January 32
Examinations made in February 30
Examinations made in March 28
The Caswell Teaining School 11
Examinations made in April 32
Examinations made in May 40
Examinations made in June 38
Total number of Neo-Salvarsan treatments 8
Mixed treatment by mouth 15
Number of children taking Pituitary 18
Number of children taking Thyroid 41
Number of children taking Luminal 24
Number of epileptic attacks during the months
—
September 152
October 180
November 201
December.... 177
January 150
February 120
March 90
April , 106
May 130
June .: 165
Respectfully submitted,
Texie L. Bowman,
Read Nurse.
WORK OF SEWING DEPARTMENT
Fiom June 30, 1925, to June 30, 1926
Rompers 502
Shirts ., 475
Dresses 638
Overalls.., 456
Bloomers 89
Aprons 202
Slips 327
Gowns 401
Drawers 82
Drawers and bodies ^. 281
Pants 39
Tablecloths , 4
Blouses 172
Teddies 174
Brassiers 146
Sheets 181
Infants' shirts 5
Coats ,
'
- 29
Union suits 54
Night shirts 74
Napkins , , 90
Pillow-slips 6
PRODUCTS RECEIVED FROM THE FARM
Green peas, shelled (lbs.) 1,277
Syrup ( gals. ) , 550
Cabbage (lbs.) 11,227
Squash (lbs.) ., 7,949
String beans (lbs. ) 2,392
Cucumbers (lbs.) S,5S5
Beets (lbs.) 5,981
Lettuce (lbs.) 4S6
Tomatoes 30,109
Watermelons ., 3,533
Cantaloupes 4,970
Ears corn 12,975
Dry peas (lbs.) 113
Turnips (lbs.) 6,652
Sweet potatoes (bus.) — 2,244
Peanuts ( bus. ) 61
Collards (lbs.) 12,950
Rutabagas ( lbs. ) ....- 639
Kale salad (lbs.) 2,141
Onions ( lbs. ) 1,302
Spinach (lbs. ) 94
Strawberries (qts.) 1,517
Garden peas, shelled (lbs.) 817
Dewberries (qts.) 5,463
White potatoes (bus.) , 962
Meat (lbs.) , 14,639
Eggs (doz.) 1,658
Chickens, dressed (lbs.) 343
Broilers (lbs.) 935
Milk (gals.) 35,242
Beef (lbs.) 2,395
Goat (lbs.) 1.200
ITEMIZED STATEMENT EXPENDITURES-MAINTENANCE
FUND
From June 30, 1925, to June 30, 1926
Maintenance appropriation, 1925-1926 $118,750.00
Receipts for 1925-1926 3,973.66
Total maintenance appropriation $122,723.66
EXPENDITURES
Office and Administration.
1101 Executive salaries $ 7,060.89
1103 Clerical salaries 1,778.33
1104 Inspectional salaries 511.50
1109 Per diem and fees 894.42
1201 Office supplies 148.25
1301 Postage 303.14
1302 Telephone and telegraph 331.96
1303 Freight, express, and drayage 25.20
1401 Hotel and meals
1402 Railroad and other fares 337.50
1403 Mileage allowance 36.60 '
1501 Printing, stationery, office forms, etc 248.68
1508 Publication of notices and advertising 114.58
1601 Motor vehicles upkeep 2,360.59
1902 Rent of buildings, offices, and lands 275.50
1903 Rent of equipment 4.50
1905 Miscellaneous expense 75.22
2203 Premiums on official bonds 20.00
3101 Office equipment and furnishings 66.21
3107 Motor vehicles purchased 1,436.75
1210 Library supplies 44.00
Total ? 16,073.82
Subsistence.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 2,052.62
. 1106 Skilled labor 2,630.53
1107 Unskilled labor 36.56
3103 Dining-room and kitchen equipment 724.32
1216 Shop supplies and materials 30.23
1203A Meats, fish, and fowl 2,984.46
1203B Dairy products and eggs 62.56
1203C Cereal food products 6,792.92
1203D Vegetables 1,602.01
1203E Fruits and nuts 824.73
1203P Saccharine products 1,882.23
1203G Beverages 575.19
1203H Condiments, flavors, and pickles 245.62
12031 Fats, oils, and miscellaneous provisions 1,122.20
Total 21,566.18
The Caswell Training School 15
h0usekeej>in6. /
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 1,630.00
1202 Cleaning and household supplies 1,607.93
1204 Sewing supplies and dry goods 2,148.95
1217 Ice and other refrigeration supplies 1,756.40
1222 Wearing apparel purchased 1,271.57
1223 Miscellaneous fuel IS. 90
1216 Shop supplies and materials 154.44
3102 Institutional furniture and furnishings 1,351.10
3104 Bedding and linens 1,021.36
3119 Plumbing equipment 58.50
3120 Electrical equipment 362.13
1106 Skilled labor 1,173.83 :
Total $ 12,554.61
Laundering.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 1,072.19 .
1205 Laundry supplies 703.79
1904 Outside laundering and cleaning 77.00
3105 Laundry equipment 179.25
Total 2,032.23
Medical and Surgical Cake.
1102 Professional and technical salaries $ 2,263.51
1206 Medical and surgical supplies 380.95
1207 Drugs and medicines 1,215.73
120S Laboratory supplies and materials 64.60
3106 Medical and surgical equipment 30.08
Total _ 3,954.87
Nursing and Attendance.
1102 Professional and technical salaries $ 105.00
1105 Supervisors' salaries 1,104.09
1107 Unskilled labor 9,770.87
Total 10,979.96
Light, Heat, Power, and Water.
1106 Skilled labor $ 1,496.93
1107 Unskilled labor 1,875.00
1108 Cummutation 26.00
1218 Power and heating plant supplies 474.98
1224 Coal (including freight) 13,049.61
1701 Light, power, and water 550.47
3118 Power and heating plant equipment 1,548.40
Total 19,021.39
16 Annual Repoet
Cajrb of Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment.
1106 Skilled labor $ 2,208.33
1107 Unskilled labor 82.70
1213 Botanical and grounds supplies 492.01
1219 Plumbing supplies and materials 280.59
1220 Electrical supplies and materials 123.71
1221 General supplies and materials 2,001.38
1802 Repairs to building and structures 70.37
3121 General equipment 191.62
3116 Shop equipment 42.75
Total $ 5,493.46
INSTEUCTIONAL. ...
1204 Sewing supplies and dry goods $ 2.00
1209 Classroom and teachers' supplies 257.79
1102 Professional and technical salaries 4,326.20
3109 Classroom and teachers' equipment 18.81
Total 4,604.80
Agkicultubal.
1105 Supervisors' salaries $ 2,616.60
1107 Unskilled labor 4,452.37
1214 Farm and dairy supplies 5,021.47
1215 Forage and supplies for animals 9,580.54
3114 Farm and dairy equipment 245.55
3115 Livestock 485.00
Total 22,401.53
$118,682.85
Maintenance appropriation $122,723.66
Expenditures -. 118,682.85
Unexpended balance of appropriation, June 30, 1926 $ 4,040.81
REPORT OF EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
The activities of the educational department during the past year
included
:
1. Departmental reorganization.
2. Completion and classification of pupils throughout the institution.
3. Academic and general training classes.
4. Household classes and training for domestic service.
5. Manual training and craft work.
6. ISTight classes in citizenship training.
7. Physical education, general school exercises, and recreational activ-ities.
8. Industrial training in institutional work assignments.
9. Teacher training and supervision.
10. Testing and educational research problems.
There are certain points in regard to the training of pupils in a
school for feebleminded that may be fitly emphasized
:
Feeblemindedness is a condition, not a disease; hence a training
school is not a hospital—its function is not primarily therapeutic, but
educational.
We do not "cure" children—we train them.
Training cannot give a child intelligence ; it can only aid him in the
development and efficient direction of that intelligence (be it little or
much) with which nature has endowed him.
If we can train a higher grade child to launder, sew, read, write,
work in the dairy or on the farm, it is because he has the innate ability
to learn these things and profit by them, not because we have increased
his intelligence.
To develop in the right direction a child's emotions and powers of
will or self-control is as important as to train his intelligence.
It is the function of the educational department to study the indi-vidual
needs of every pupil, and so to group these puj)ils that we may
train them, not necessarily to the limit of their academic possibilities,
but to the limit of what they can use effectively—both of handwork and
headwork—in everyday life, for their own welfare and that of others.
It is also the function of this department, by making available its
experience, to aid in the right care and training of those feebleminded
outside the institution who can profit best by extra-institutional care.
Finally, the whole problem of the education of the feebleminded is
today a specialized field. It demands patience, wisdom, special training,
and, above all, a sense of relative values.
18 Annual Report
1. Depahtmektai Reorganization.
Beginning with September, 1925, the previous educational and craft
departments were reorganized as one department, cutting the overhead
expenses for the combined departments to half the cost of the previous
year.
2. Classification.
Figure I shows the total number of inmates (411) grouped according
to their wards and buildings. The number of pupils of each degree of
mental deficiency is shown for every ward, and for the institution as a
whole. It must be borne in mind, however, that there is no sharp divid-ing
line between the various grades of mental deficiency, any more than
between mental defect and normality. Each group merges gradually
into the next. The object of the chart is to permit a rapid survey of
the general classification within the institution.
Figure II shows the percentage of low-grade and higher grade pupils
usually found in institutions for feebleminded, as compared with the
percentage of low and higher grades at present in The Caswell Training
School. The percentage and number of pup)ils in each training group
at Caswell are also shown. It will be seen that so large a percentage of
lower grade pupils form a serious handicap to the progress of the higher
grade pupils in the institution.
The classification of pupils throughout the institution, in connection
vrith the educational work during the past year, was as follows
:
The academic and general training classes that formed the nucleus of
the school department during 1925-26 included the 75 children in the
institution who were from 3-10 years mentally, and under 16 years of
age. One j)upil over 16 was taken into these classes from special train-ing
during the second school term. This boy, with an I.Q. of 61, had
had very little previous schooling, and progressed from I to III grade
standard in the minimum essentials of reading, writing, and practical
arithmetic in four months time, in addition to his work in other classes
(manual training, etc.).
The pupils in the household training or home economics classes ranged
in age from 13 years upwards, and from 6-12 years in mentality.
The junior manual training classes (one girls'" group and one boys'
group) ranged in age from 9-16 years, and from 5-10 years in mentality.
The girls' senior craft classes included 64 pupils over 16 years of age,
and from 4-12 years mentally.
A small group of farm boys, ranging in age from 17-24 years, and
from 6-12 years in mentality, voluntarily attended night classes twice a
week in the school department. The above classes included 156 pupils
in all.
Further industrial training of pupils was undertaken in the various
institutional work assignments. The majority of these pupils were
The Caswell Teaining School 19
BuiLDiNC. Distribution —
No. of Rtpils
00
Bsys Cirh Tololi
Bordtrlinc 10 5 IS
Moron 31 64 95
Imiiicite 68 112 l&l
Idiot 72 48 110
TotaU 181 230 411
10- T /. '^!!
^* •i
-
-
Total Distribution ^
1 5 BCRDLRLINl GSSS
95 MOKON
181 IMBCCILE
120 IDIOT
411
l&l BOYS
230 CIRLS
411
iisums'jm-iiii'&'aiamKm}}^,
v^/v^.yy.,'
FiGTJEE I
Showing the status of the population at The Caswell Training School on
July 1, 1926. (For differentiation between high and low gi-ade imbe-ciles,
see Figure II.)
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